Kota History, India

History of Kota (which was formerly known as Kotah) is said to have started during the 12th century A.D. It was Rao Deva who formed Bundi and Hadoti in the 12th century A.D. and this is where the hints for Kota are found. After the official formation of Kota it was Rao Ratan Singh (ruler of Bundi in those days) who willingly made Rao Madho Singh (his beloved son) the ruler of Kotah. This is the time when Kota went under the regime of Rajputs and it is the same reason why the hints of Rajput culture are found in Kotah.

Kota is part of the region called Hadoti which is made of up many cities like Baran, Bundi, Jhalawar, and Kota of course. Kota outshines other parts of Hadoti due to its rich heritage which dates back to as far as the 12th century A.D. Jait Singh of Bundi is said to be responsible for the first fort (also known as garh) of Kota. Later, Kota officially became independent in 1631. One should note that Mughals were the original rulers in those days and Rajputs were running their kingdom under Mughals.

In recent years, Kota has grown fast as the industrial hub of Rajasthan. Asia’s largest fertilizer plant is located in Kota itself and still operates successfully even when many other fertilizer plants of India have shut down due to drop in business. Kota is the industrial capital of Rajasthan and it is also the fifth largest city of Rajasthan.

The Chambal Valley Project helped Kota gain recognition around the country and various industrial institutions, which manufacture things like: synthetic fibers, fertilizer, various chemicals, instruments, tyre cord, etc. and these have helped Kota stand shoulder to shoulder with the modern world even though initially it used to depend on its historical remains for economical growth. Tourist business was the only business in Kota at times but now coaching institutions, industries, and various heritage sites help Kota outshine many of India’s cities.

email to a friendAsk our travel experts a question about Kota